take on
verb
took on; taken on; taking on; takes on
1
a
: to begin to perform or deal with : undertake
took on new responsibilities
b
: to contend with as an opponent
took on the neighborhood bully
3
a
: to assume or acquire as or as if one's own
… the city's plaza takes on a carnival air.—
W. T. LeViness
W. T. LeViness
b
: to have as a mathematical domain or range
what values does the function take on
: to show one's feelings especially of grief or anger in a demonstrative way
… she cried, and took on like a distracted body …—Daniel Defoe
Daniel DefoeExamples of take on in a Sentence
will take on his chief opponent in the next political debate
decided to take her on as store manager
Recent Examples on the Web
Further south in Reggio Calabria, nightlife takes on a more underground, creative edge.
—Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
In his conversation with Tharpe, Jay-Z also discussed his evolving discography, shared his take on the 2024 rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and his billionaire status (and the criticism that entails).
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Moreover, increasing the amount of private debt students will take on to complete these degrees will have lasting consequences.
—Kaelyn Lara, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
The Supreme Court had agreed to consider the case last year, taking on a years-long legal battle between the major record labels and the internet provider, with the labels saying internet gatekeepers should be held responsible for their users’ infringing behaviors.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take on
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Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
In his conversation with Tharpe, Jay-Z also discussed his evolving discography, shared his take on the 2024 rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and his billionaire status (and the criticism that entails).
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Moreover, increasing the amount of private debt students will take on to complete these degrees will have lasting consequences.
—Kaelyn Lara, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
The Supreme Court had agreed to consider the case last year, taking on a years-long legal battle between the major record labels and the internet provider, with the labels saying internet gatekeepers should be held responsible for their users’ infringing behaviors.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take on
Cite this Entry
“Take on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20on. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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